Southern Illinois University senior punter Austin Pucylowski was one of two players chosen as recipients of the 13th Division I Football Championship Subdivision Athletics Directors Association (FCS ADA) Scholar-Athletes of the Year. Also selected was Brett Biestek, a defensive lineman from Fordham University.

Each player will receive a $5,000 postgraduate scholarship. The duo was selected from a group of seven finalists. They will receive their awards during the Association's annual membership meeting being held in conjunction with the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) Convention, being held at the World Center Marriott Resort in Orlando, Florida, June 9-12.

"Annually, the FCS ADA is tasked with selecting a pair of individuals from the Academic All-Star team to honor with postgraduate scholarships," stated FCS ADA President Brian Hutchinson, director of athletics, Morehead State University. "This year we recognize and congratulate the efforts of both Brett and Austin. We wish these two young men well as they look to continue their postgraduate work."

Pucylowski is working toward an undergraduate degree in biological sciences, owns a 4.0 GPA, and plans to attend medical school. On the field, Pucylowski led the Missouri Valley Football Conference in percentage of punts inside the 20-yard line (43 percent), while recording the second-longest punt in school history, 72 yards. He earned all-MVFC honorable mention honors and was named a first-team conference All-Academic pick. He is a two-time FCS ADA Academic All-Star team selection.

There were a total of 43 FCS players selected to the Academic All-Star Team in January. Nominees were required to have a minimum grade point average of 3.20 (on a 4.00 scale) in undergraduate study and have been a starter or key player with legitimate athletics credentials. They must have reached their second year of athletics and academic standing at the nominated institution and have completed a minimum of one full academic year at the nominated institution. They must also have participated in 50 percent of the games played at their designated position.

About the FCS ADA: Now in its 21st year, the Football Championship Subdivision Athletics Directors Association's mission is to enhance Football Championship Subdivision football. For more information on the FCS ADA, please visit www.fcsada.com. The FCS ADA is administered by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), which is in its 49th year. For more information on NACDA and the 13 professional associations that fall under its umbrella, please visit www.nacda.com.